Senate Confirms Asa Hutchinson First Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security In the Department of Homeland Security

Release Date: 01/25/03 00:00:00

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Press Office
January 24, 2003
For Immediate Release

Washington, D.C. - By a unanimous voice vote, the United States Senate last night confirmed Asa Hutchinson to be the nation's first Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Border and Transportation Security.

"In our mission to protect America, we face the daunting challenge of improving border and transportation security, while at the same time facilitating the unimpeded flow of legitimate commerce and people across our borders and ports. In his career, Asa Hutchinson, has demonstrated that he is up for big challenges. I congratulate him on his confirmation and look forward to working with him in this new mission," said Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge.

Under Secretary Hutchinson will be responsible for securing the nation's borders, ports, waterways and transportation system. He will oversee the functions now housed in agencies like the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the U.S. Customs Service, the Transportation Security Administration and the Office for Domestic Preparedness.

"I am certainly gratified by the Senate's action late last night to confirm me as the nation's first Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security in the new Department of Homeland Security," Under Secretary Hutchinson said. "I am particularly grateful to Senator McCain for moving my nomination through his Committee and the Senate so quickly, so that I can start to work on this important mission right away. I am both honored and humbled to be given this opportunity to serve my country, and I look forward to working with Secretary Ridge to undertake the critically important tasks before us."

This page was last reviewed/modified on 01/25/03 00:00:00.